I have the Miata. I have the engine (AFR headed 5.0), and I have a new oil pan to modify. I also have an 8.8 with 3.27s and a trac loc on the way home. I also have a spare front crossmember. I have a hard dog rollbar new top and a Flyin Miata frame rail reinforcements to install as well.

I also have Martins manual. I don’t like the crossmrmber and exhaust routing much.

So I’ve been thinking. Why not use the V8 roadsters tubular crossmember? And get a trans mount and modify it to bolt to my FM braces. I can weld mounting plates on the FM braces. I will need a welder and practice but it’s cheaper than headers. I can run the mixed Ranger/Mustang hedman headers and any engine mounts I like. I can also use either Martins 8.8 rear or the V8 roadsters one. I will use a little cal driveshaft shop and farm out the exhaust. I want to run FItech or a Holley Sniper system. I also want power steering and AC. Can a ford ps pump be used? I know you can adapt the ac compressor to the Miata lines. Without no will be much easier.

Any comments or suggestions? Think Martin would use his fixtures to put mounts on a tubular subframe? If so I could send pan, subframe and crank pulley out to be modified and buy his rear end parts too.

For cooling I think I can order a radiator relays and fans myself. I can find hoses too. Suggestions?